St Giles Hotel: A welcoming haven in the heart of London. Nestled near Tottenham Court Road Station, this hotel offers easy access to the city’s bustling attractions, including the British Museum, and is just a short walk from numerous transportation options, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
The hotel’s staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, going above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. Upon our early arrival, Nikki kindly arranged for us to check in ahead of schedule, allowing us to relax and settle in. The concierge team provided valuable local insights and even assisted with booking rides using the Bolt app.
While the twin rooms were on the smaller side, they were sufficient for two people and equipped with all necessary amenities. The rooms were spotlessly clean, and we appreciated the thorough cleaning service after our days of exploring the city. Although there was no air conditioning, the pleasant weather ensured a comfortable stay. The breakfast buffet was a delightful spread with a wide variety of options, making it an ideal choice for our short London adventure.
A Disappointing Experience at the Same Hotel
Our experience at St Giles, unfortunately, took a turn for the worse during our subsequent three-night stay. Upon arrival, we were allocated the wrong rooms, and the receptionist’s lack of assistance left us frustrated. It was only after a conversation with a male colleague that our rooms were changed on the second day.
The rooms, however, were far from what we expected. They were cramped, poorly maintained, and not even worthy of a single star. Our basement room was positioned directly above the tube line, causing a constant disruption with the sound of trains every few minutes. Safety seemed to be a concern as well, with the overall hygiene of the hotel being unacceptable.
The breakfast was a basic affair, lacking hot food options, and the milk was sour, stored in a flask. The bar remained closed for two days due to the bartender’s absence and a lack of authorization for other staff to open it, including the manager. To add insult to injury, we were charged £10 to store our luggage while waiting to check in!
Several guests around us voiced their dissatisfaction with the rooms allocated to them, echoing our own sentiments. The photos online were completely misleading, and the rooms presented a stark contrast to their advertised appearance. Several issues plagued our rooms, including:
- Unsecured windows
- Malfunctioning safes
- A corroded tap in the ‘newly refurbished’ bathroom
- Blocked showers
The hotel’s exorbitant pricing for such subpar accommodations was unacceptable, making it clear that this establishment lacked the standard of a true hotel.
A Subpar Stay at Earl’s Court
Our experience at Earl’s Court was a disappointment from the start. The hotel’s reception closed early at 8 pm, forcing guests to rely on key cards for entry. This posed a challenge when our daughter went out at night while we stayed in the room, as the key card was needed to activate the lights. The staff eventually provided a fake key card to resolve this issue.
The lack of replacement shower gels was another inconvenience. The shower gel provided had run out, and we had to request small bottles from the reception. Noise from the lower ground floor room also impacted our sleep at night.
The only positive aspect of this hotel was the complimentary three-pack of biscuits provided for our morning coffee.
A Nightmare Stay: A Tale of Rudeness and Neglect
Our stay at this unnamed hotel was the worst hotel experience we have ever encountered. From the moment we arrived, we were met with rudeness and unprofessionalism from the receptionist. Despite having paid in advance through Booking.com, the receptionist aggressively demanded a £100 cash deposit.
The lack of communication regarding this requirement was appalling, as we were not notified at the time of booking. Furthermore, the receptionist’s demand for photo ID and the threat of a £250 charge for alleged drug use were unwarranted and insulting, especially considering our status as professional business travelers.
The receptionist’s attitude was unacceptable, and the lack of guidance on finding a cashpoint in the pouring rain left us feeling vulnerable and distressed. This was especially concerning, as we were a lone female traveler. Despite offering to cancel our booking, the receptionist offered no alternative accommodations.
Once we returned with the cash deposit, we were given a key card with no holder and no clear room number. We had to clarify the room number twice, and upon reaching our room, we were met with a series of alarming issues. The staff areas in the corridors were left open, exposing dirty laundry, the key card device was broken off the door, and there were disturbing stains and hair on the bed sheets. The shower gel had also been topped up with water from a previous guest.
This stay was deeply unsettling and unsafe, and we believe this establishment should be shut down.
A Positive Stay at a Central London Hostel
Our stay at this hostel was a pleasant surprise. It was located just steps from the tube station, making it incredibly convenient to explore London’s main attractions. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the hostel itself was clean and welcoming.
The pub downstairs, which served as the hostel’s entrance, offered good food and had a welcoming atmosphere. The breakfast was simple but effective, and the 24/7 pub access for guests allowed for a convenient late-night snack or drink.
Booking directly through the hostel offered several benefits, including cheaper rates, late checkout, pub discounts, and a 20% discount on future visits. We appreciated the free luggage room for storing bags before and after check-in. We would definitely choose to stay here again during future trips to London.
A Fantastic Hostel with Friendly Staff and a Great Location
This hostel is a fantastic choice for travelers visiting London. Its location next to Kings Cross and Coal Drop Yards is incredibly convenient, making it easy to explore the city. The check-in process was straightforward, and the hostel allowed guests to leave their luggage for free before and after check-out.
The staff was incredibly friendly, from the front desk to the maintenance and cleaning teams. We appreciated the thoughtful touches in the rooms, including adjustable lighting, phone charging points, lockers, and even a bar for hanging socks or towels.
The large lounge area provided a great space to relax or work, and the well-equipped kitchen allowed us to save money on food. The bathrooms were always clean and had hot water. The hostel also hosts regular events, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow travelers. The staff truly felt like family and created a welcoming atmosphere. We highly recommend this hostel for any traveler exploring London.
A Wonderful Hotel with Exceptional Staff and a Prime Location
Our experience at this hotel was nothing short of exceptional. The room was clean, comfortable, and offered stunning views of the London Stadium. The hotel’s location was superb, being next to a large shopping center and conveniently connected to the subway station with multiple lines.
The staff was friendly, professional, and always willing to help. We were particularly impressed by the concierge team, especially Naleef and Daniel. They went above and beyond their duties when my wife was pickpocketed in London. They advised us on reporting the theft to the police and provided invaluable assistance in dealing with our stolen credit cards.
The hotel’s staff, particularly Naleef and Daniel, deserve immense credit for their kindness and helpfulness. They truly made our stay unforgettable. We wholeheartedly recommend this hotel to any traveler visiting London.
A Pleasant Stay with Minor Issues
We enjoyed our stay at this hotel. The location was convenient for exploring the city from Buckingham Palace, though the walk was quite long. The hotel itself was beautiful and the rooms were clean.
We encountered one minor issue with the television, which failed to display football channels due to a Wi-Fi login requirement. We also found the twin beds to be small, especially compared to other hotels we’ve stayed at.
Despite these minor inconveniences, we had a pleasant stay and would consider staying here again.
